With leaders Chelsea in FA Cup action and Arsenal inactive this weekend, a win over Rovers at Ewood Park would have taken the champions back to the top of the table. But after a goalless stalemate, the Red Devils stay second, a point behind the Blues who now have a game in hand. Antonio Valencia wasted the best opportunity of a hard-fought encounter when he shot tamely at the legs of Paul Robinson when one-on-one with the Rovers keeper shortly before the break. United dominated the second half, but Dimitar Berbatov's weak effort was the only effort that troubled Robinson. Wolves took another step towards Premier League survival after repelling a long-throw bombardment from Stoke in a 0-0 draw at Molineux. The share of the spoils in a match of little quality moved Mick McCarthy's side six points clear of the bottom three with four games remaining - and they also have a superior goal difference. Stoke had the best chances in the first half during which time Rory Delap reeled off 14 long throws - and 24 in total - to cries of 'boring, boring' from the home fans. Centre-back Abdoulaye Faye should have done better with some headed opportunities and Mamady Sidibe wasted a clear-cut opening early in the second period. But Wolves generally looked solid and their determination was typified by centre-back Jody Craddock who was made skipper on his 500th league appearance in place of the suspended Karl Henry.
